Jerry West resigns from Northern Trust Open; former UCLA coach replaces him as executive director

Jerry West is resigning as executive director of the Northern Trust Open, and former UCLA golf coach O.D. Vincent will replace him, the PGA Tour is expected to announce today.

West, 75, was worked for the tournament the last three years, helping promote it and fundraise for its charitable endeavors, but he will focus his efforts on his role as consultant with the Golden State Warriors.

The former Lakers great and general manager was keeping quite a hectic schedule, especially in the few months leading up to the February event at Riviera Country Club.

“When I joined the PGA Tour family as Northern Trust Open executive director in May 2010, my goal was to help elevate the tournament as a way to give back to the city that has given me so much,” West said. “Thanks to an incredible team, a dedicated title sponsor and through the support of the entire Los Angeles community, I’m so proud of how we’ve brought L.A. together to increase awareness of the Northern Trust Open, grow its charitable impact and shine a light on the needs of the community.”

Vincent will join the Northern Trust Open immediately. Last month, Vincent left his job as senior associate athletic director at Washington to join one of the PGA Tour’s most longstanding and popular events that attracts many of the world’s top players.

“This was about getting back into the game of golf, without a doubt, working for the PGA Tour and being in L.A. with Riviera and a phenomenal title sponsor. I don’t know what’s not to like,” Vincent said in a phone interview.

“To me, L.A. always has represented the best of the best. That challenge was contagious.”

Mike Bone will remain the general manager for the Northern Trust Open in 2014, and Vincent is expected to take over all duties as executive director, as how it’s done with most tournaments on the PGA Tour.

“We are thrilled to welcome O.D. to the Northern Trust Open family and back to Los Angeles, where he was part of the golf community for so many years as head men’s golf coach at UCLA,” said David Pillsbury, the PGA Tour’s executive vice president of championship management. “His experience in the golf industry aside, he has impeccable skills within marketing, communications, sales and community relations in the sports world as a whole, all of which will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the stature of this historic event.”

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Vincent said he has not had a chance to talk to West yet, nor has he met him but that he’s looking forward to it. He already has connections to several PGA Tour golfers, including John Merrick and Kevin Chappell, who played for him at UCLA.

West will not have an official role with the event, but he is still expected to help with the tournament’s community service outreach when he can. West’s resignation from his tournament post isn’t a surprise, but it’s a blow to the tournament since he has such a big game and created recognition for the event not many directors can offer.

He spent time on the driving range chatting with players and forming friendships easily.

Vincent should have a smooth transition in Los Angeles, too. He and his family were scheduled to move Sherman Oaks over the weekend.

The 45-year-old Vincent will have an inside track on luring Merrick back to defend his title. Merrick undoubtedly wants to return, but his connection with Vincent sure helps.

Vincent coached at UCLA from 2002-2007, where he won two conference titles. He also coached Duke and Washington’s golf teams.

“One of the cool things taking this position is that John Merrick is our defending champion,” Vincent said. “I was actually at the event last year and watched him hit a lot of shots. It was a pretty emotional afternoon.”

Vincent said he texted Merrick after his win, and Merrick got back to him that Sunday. Vincent knows Riviera well since it’s one of many courses UCLA practices at, so he’s been there often.

“Last year, it was perfect weather and Riviera, for me personally, is one of the best golf courses in the world,” Vincent said. “It’s phenomenal. Playing or watching, I love being out there. Watching Johnny win it and watching Kevin Chappell (play), it doesn’t get much better.”